assume control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assume control" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase when you want to indicate that a particular person or group is taking control of a situation. For example, "The new manager assumed control of the project and immediately began to implement her plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 1954 Nasser emerged to assume control.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under what circumstances did they assume control of North Korea?

The Guardian

Democrats are now preparing to assume control of the House.

The New York Times

The army is to assume control of all militias in Benghazi, according to the Libya Herald.

The Guardian

Soon the Federal Bureau of Narcotics began to assume control of the medical treatment of addiction.

The New Yorker

Plum Creek management will assume control of the company, which will bear the Plum Creek name.

The New York Times

If it finds it unworkable, it has the power to assume control of the county's operations.

The New York Times

Everything possible to make it as easy as possible to assume control of a classroom".

The Guardian

The town had invited prominent artists and intellectuals to assume control of the government.

The New York Times

Mr. Diller said Mr. Harman's estate would assume control of his stake in the magazine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We have assumed control".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assume control" when you want to clearly indicate the act of taking responsibility and authority over something. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, providing a straightforward way to express a transition of power or responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "assume control" in passive voice constructions. Instead of saying "Control was assumed by...", opt for the active voice: "[Subject] assumed control of...". This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume control" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of taking responsibility and authority. As Ludwig examples show, it is used to describe the act of an individual, group, or entity taking charge of something. This function aligns with the positive assessment from Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assume control" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of taking responsibility and authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable expression in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, its frequency underscores its common usage. To ensure clarity and impact, avoid passive voice constructions. Alternatives like "take charge" or "take over" can add nuance depending on the context. Whether formally or informally, "assume control" provides a straightforward way to express a transition of power or responsibility, suitable for a range of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take charge

Implies stepping up to lead or manage a situation.

take over

Suggests replacing someone or something in a position of authority.

seize power

Indicates a forceful or abrupt acquisition of control.

gain control

Emphasizes the process of achieving control, rather than the state of having it.

establish dominance

Focuses on creating a position of superior power or influence.

assert authority

Highlights the act of declaring and enforcing one's power.

wrest control

Suggests a struggle or effort to obtain control from someone else.

come into power

Indicates the beginning of a period of having control.

take command

Emphasizes the leadership aspect of control, often in a military or hierarchical context.

dominate

Implies complete control and influence over something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "assume control" in a sentence?

You can use "assume control" to describe someone taking charge, as in, "The new CEO "assumed control" of the company's operations." It indicates a shift in power or responsibility.

What are some alternatives to saying "assume control"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "take charge", "take over", or "gain control" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "assume control" formal or informal?

"Assume control" is suitable for both formal and informal situations. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various writing styles and contexts.

What's the difference between "assume control" and "seize power"?

"Assume control" generally implies a legitimate or agreed-upon transfer of authority, while "seize power" suggests a more forceful or illegitimate acquisition of control.